Wieliczka surprises at every turn — monumental chambers, salt sculptures, the underground St. Kinga’s Chapel and mysterious brine lakes offer fantastic photographic opportunities. For families it’s also a safe, weather-proof adventure that can be combined with a short walk around Wieliczka’s charming market square or coffee in a nearby bistro. During the May holiday (May 1–4) the number of tours increases significantly, so it’s wise to plan your visit in advance.
Amateur and semi-professional photographers will appreciate the variety of compositions: from wide shots of vast chambers, through detailed photos of salt carvings, to subtle reflections on brine lakes. Families will find activities that engage children — from legends and tasks to shorter routes adapted for younger visitors.
Temperature underground stays pleasantly around 16–18°C, but remember to bring a light layer — it can feel cooler below ground than on the surface.
Buy tickets online in advance — especially during the May holiday and long weekends, when entries are frequent and sell out quickly. For families check for family tickets, which can be economical for groups like 2+2.
The mine’s website shows a detailed tour schedule, and in the May holiday period (May 1–4) visits are organized more frequently than usual — a great opportunity, but another reason to reserve early to avoid queues.
Keep in mind that the Tourist Route is a walk through about 20 chambers with a descent of 380 wooden steps and an ascent by elevator. With small children and seniors, factor that in when planning pace and breaks.
Photography in the mine is allowed, but there are rules — in some cases a permit and a small fee are required for photography/filming; check this before your visit, especially if you come with a crew or professional equipment.
For most shots a camera without flash and a bright lens (for example 24–70mm f/2.8 or a fast prime) is sufficient. High ISO and steady hand-held shots work well — consider a small monopod instead of a large tripod, since setting up big tripods isn’t always possible.
Avoid using strong flash in the chapel and near exhibits — point lighting destroys the atmosphere and may be prohibited. Pack extras: spare battery, extra memory card and a soft cloth to wipe salt dust off the lens are useful small items.
Start at the Daniłowicz Shaft entrance — the first kilometers of tunnels let you catch the atmosphere and set up your camera before crowds arrive. Look for wide compositions in larger chambers and details of carvings when groups have moved on.
St. Kinga’s Chapel is a must — plan shots from several perspectives: low-angle views, medium long exposures with a monopod, and close-ups of salt altars. To capture reflections, look near the brine lakes where light and salt texture create interesting effects.
Don’t forget wide-angle shots that show the scale of the chambers and family portraits against monumental features — these photos look great later in albums and on social media.
Children can be hard to ‘stage,’ but in Wieliczka the natural points of interest (sculptures, lakes, legends) act like magnets for attention. Let them explore and have the photographer document spontaneous reactions.
Make sure they wear comfortable shoes and have snacks before descending — a visit usually lasts 2–3 hours. If a child tires quickly, choose a shorter tour or consider splitting the route into stages.
Family programs such as themed games or the “Following the Legends” trail engage children and give chances for natural, joyful photos instead of forced poses.
From Kraków you can reach Wieliczka by local train — Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station is closest to the Daniłowicz Shaft entrance and is only a few minutes’ walk away. This is convenient, especially during the May holiday when road traffic and parking can be busy.
Bus 304 from the stop near Kraków Main Station also stops close to the shaft. If you drive, there are official parking lots next to the mine — a larger one on Dembowskiego Street and a smaller one by Daniłowicza Street; check fees and conditions in advance.
On the surface, plan a stop at the graduation tower (Tężnia Solankowa) or a short walk around Wieliczka if time allows — a pleasant complement to the underground visit.
Right by the Tourist Route entrance there is Bistro Posolone — a convenient option for families who want to eat without going far. The menu is tourist-friendly and the place is good for a rest after the tour.
If you plan a longer stay in Kraków after your visit, consider restaurants and cafés in the city center — it’s a great chance to enjoy a well-reviewed meal and go through your photos over coffee. We recommend choosing venues with solid recent reviews.
Remember that during the May holiday popular restaurants and cafés can be full — reserving a table for the afternoon will help avoid waiting with children.
Not booking tickets in advance — during long weekends this is the most common mistake. Reserve your entry online and choose a comfortable descent time.
Bringing too-heavy equipment and being unprepared for low light — leave large tripods at the hotel, take a monopod and a fast lens.
Wearing inappropriate clothing — visitors sometimes come too lightly dressed or too warmly; a thin outer layer and comfortable shoes are most practical. Also avoid wearing brand-new white shoes that can quickly get dusty from salt.
Can I take photographs? Yes — photography is permitted, but check the rules about permits, especially when using professional gear or tripods.
Is the route suitable for small children? The Tourist Route is family-oriented, but note the stairs (about 380 steps). Children under 4 may have free entry, but plan a pace with breaks.
Is the route accessible for people with mobility impairments? Some routes and chambers are not fully wheelchair-accessible — contact the mine’s staff in advance to arrange specifics.
How long does the visit last? Typically 2–3 hours, depending on the route and the group’s pace.
Wieliczka is not only history and sculptures — underground there is a network of corridors stretching for hundreds of kilometers, while the tourist route covers around 20 chambers at different levels.
Back up your photos as soon as you’re back on the surface — if you’re traveling with family, a short coffee break and a quick upload of the best shots to the cloud will avoid stress over lost material.
Finally: if you plan a trip for the May holiday, book tickets and any photography permits early, dress your family in layers and have a plan B in case the youngest get tired.
If this guide helped you plan your visit, share it with friends or on social media — someone may find it useful before the May holiday.
If you’d like to visit Wieliczka comfortably and in an intimate atmosphere with a local guide, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. Good luck and happy shooting!
